The bill amends existing laws regarding payments for corrective actions related to petroleum storage tanks. It allows for direct payments to third-party consultants of owners and operators for corrective actions taken on their behalf. Specifically, it modifies the provisions in Arkansas Code 8-7-905(d)(3) to include third-party consultants in the reimbursement process and establishes that the deductible for corrective actions will be determined by the Division of Environmental Quality, with a maximum limit set at thirty thousand dollars ($30,000).

Additionally, the bill removes the previous fixed deductible amount of seven thousand five hundred dollars ($7,500) and introduces a more flexible deductible structure that can vary based on the specific violations of rules. The Arkansas Pollution Control and Ecology Commission, with input from the Advisory Committee on Petroleum Storage Tanks, is tasked with establishing these rules. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the process for corrective actions and enhance the financial responsibility of owners and operators of underground storage tanks.

Statutes affected:
HB 1277: 8-7-905(d), 8-7-907(a), 8-7-907(d), 8-7-907